IKECHUKWU AGBAMEGBUE, UYO
The memory of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, was celebrated in grand style as the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, family and friends held a memorial service in her honour at the All Nations Christian Center, Eket.
In tribute, President Bola Tinubu described the departed first Lady as a peace-loving and kind- hearted woman, commiserating Governor Umo Eno, and family over her demise.
President Tinubu noted that she was imbued with compassion, patience and strength of character.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu described the late Akwa Ibom first lady as a woman whose life was devoted to peace and unity.
According to the President, the late first Lady was a child of God, a good wife, a bridge builder, and a peace advocate whose legacy will continue to keep Akwa Ibom united, saying, though she is gone her good legacies lives on
“One year ago, you lost your dear wife. But inspite of that loss, you still took it upon yourself to continue in her ministry, the Ministry of Peace and unification.
“There is no prize too much for anyone to pay for peace. She would be remembered not just as your dear wife, but as a woman who encouraged you to bring the whole of Akwa Ibom together, to bring all the political parties together, and to bring all the political gladiators together,” he noted.
“Your Excellency, God says that in everything, we must give thanks to Him. Today, I have listened to the tributes, so I stand on behalf of Mr. President to say, may God Almighty continue to console your family. May God allow love to continue to shine through you, may Akwa Ibom remain always united and may peace continue to be our portion.”
The Chairman Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, described the late Mrs. Eno as a woman whose works of charity and humility make her worthy of sainthood.
According to him, the departed first Lady was a patient woman who was peace-loving and compassionate, adding that the only way to honour her was to continue with her good works.
Speaking on behalf of First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other First Ladies from Enugu, Ogun, and Imo States, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the late Patience Umo Eno as a mentor par excellence, who would be greatly missed,.
She noted that she was humble, family-oriented, and kind-hearted, appreciating the Governor for allowing her spread her wings of goodwill to many people, within and outside the State.
In a deeply emotional reflection, Governor Umo Eno spoke of his late wife as more than a companion but the very anchor of his journey through life.
He recalled her unwavering encouragement in the face of stiff opposition and criticism, standing as a pillar of strength, stressing that he couldn’t have married a better woman.
The Governor expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their fatherly and motherly support. He said the First Lady of Nigeria had taken personal interest in mentoring his daughter, Helen, and constantly checked up on the family.
On behalf of the children, Pastor Ebong Eno remembered their mother as a loving and God-fearing woman who taught discipline, peace, and contentment not only to us her children, but to everyone around her.
In their separate tributes, Prince Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the State Government; Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Senator Ekong Sampson; Rev Simeon Afolabi, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State represented by Justice Princess Ekong, Mkpat Enin Council Chairman, Eng. Emmanuel Inyang, and His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, among others, described Mrs Patience Umo as a virtuous mother who left indelible marks on the sands of time.
In his message drawn from 2 Kings 13 verses 14 through 20, Apostle Lawrence Achudume said the departed First Lady made great impact while on earth, stressing that everyone would die someday, and would be remembered by their works.
The solemn gathering, which drew together Nigeria’s political leaders, first ladies, judiciary, Legislature, traditional rulers, clergymen, family and Church, was a festival of glowing tributes to the life and times of service, humility, and quiet strength lived by the departed First Lady.
